APG: Our product information

Alkyl polyglycosides: Environmentally friendly surfactants in cosmetics and cleaning products

Alkyl polyglycosides, also known as APGs, are derived from natural resources, and are commonly used in cosmetics, cleaning, and laundry products. They are non-ionic surfactants made from sustainable raw materials and have high cleaning power.

APGs have been available on the market since the late 1970s. They are a type of artificial sugar surfactant made up of a chain of several glucoside sugars with fatty alcohols at the end. Alkyl polyglycosides are known for their good wetting and dispersing properties. They demonstrate good stability in alkaline solutions. Because APGs are not very sensitive to water hardness, they even achieve very good cleaning performance in hard water.

APGs can be purchased with different glucose chain lengths, which can alter the properties of the Alkyl polyglycosides.

Alkyl polyglycosides Production: Technological Extraction

Due to their sustainable extraction, Alkyl polyglycosides are among the most popular cleaning surfactants on the market. They can be made entirely from sugar and fatty alcohols.

Raw materials containing sugar, such as sugar cane or sugar beet, are required for production. Alternatively, starchy plants such as corn or potatoes can be used. In addition, it requires fatty oils that can be obtained from palm oil or coconut oil. Alkyl polyglycosides are produced by substituting a fatty alcohol with glucose or glucose polymers. For this, an acidic catalyst, such as sulfuric acid, is needed.

Alkyl polyglycosides/APGs: Use in Cleaning Products

APGs are particularly well-known for their mild effect on the skin, their foaming properties, and their biodegradability, making them a good choice for environmentally friendly cleaning products. The APGS surfactant is characterized by its high stability in a wide range of pH values.

Products that contain Alkyl polyglycosides include:

• Household cleaners
• Dishwashing detergent
• Laundry detergent
• Industrial cleaners
• All-purpose cleaners
• Disinfectants

Alkyl polyglycosides are also highly compatible with other cleaning components and can easily be combined with other cleaning products to achieve an even more effective cleaning.

Another area of application for APGs is the cosmetic and personal care industry. They are mainly used in shower gels or shampoos because they have optimal foaming properties. They also thicken liquid formulations, which allows for a better texture. Alkyl polyglycosides are used whenever a gentle cleaning performance with a pleasant skin feel is desired.

Alkyl polyglycosides are used in cosmetics not only as a cleaning agent but also as an emulsifying agent. They help to keep the water and fat content in creams and gels together. They are also added to distribute fragrance substances better and more evenly throughout the product.

Alkylpolyglycosides: Advantages over other washing agents

APGs are chemically synthesized and are therefore classified as synthetic cleaning surfactants. However, they are preferred by many over other surfactants as they can be derived from natural and renewable resources. This makes Alkylpolyglycosides sustainable and environmentally friendly. They are biodegradable and have a low level of bio-toxicity. APGs are considered mild cleaning surfactants that are well tolerated and do not cause skin irritations.

Conclusion: What makes this additive special

Alkylpolyglycosides are an excellent choice for those looking for an environmentally friendly and gentle cleaning solution. APGs can be produced from renewable resources and therefore have a better environmental impact than other cleaning surfactants. Due to their high cleaning performance and good tolerability, Alkylpolyglycosides are suitable for various cleaning products. They are gentle, safe, and clean intensively.

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